Defensive rebounding needs to be better, says Donovan

The Thunder has been a rebounding force in the NBA, but not to the start of this season.

Against Minnesota, the Thunder trailed 108-107 with 38 seconds left when Raymond Felton failed to get a body on

Andrew Wiggins, who skied in for a putback dunk, two of 19 second-chance points for the Timberwolves.

It’s only been three games, but the Thunder is averaging 28.3 defensive rebounds per game — 30th out of 30 teams — and is 29th in total rebounds per game (38.3).

Thunder coach Billy Donovan said the defense is often getting caught in help. For instance, the Thunder will find itself with two players on a driving opponent who passes out, leaving another player open to crash the offensive glass.

While the Thunder has played strong rebounders like Utah’s Rudy Gobert and Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns to start the season — OKC has to do a better job of finding a body when there are defensive rotations.

“That late play that Wiggins made the offensive rebound […] the shot went up and we were kinda in rotation,” Donovan said. “And the guy that we’re currently guarding may not be the guy that we have to block out, and I think that’s just something we’re gonna need probably repetition at.”

The Thunder has been better on the offensive glass, averaging 10 offensive rebounds per game (17th in the NBA), but with OKC’s move to smaller lineups, all rebounding categories have seen a drop off from the standard established in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder led the league the past three seasons in total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game, but hasn’t out-rebounded an opponent yet this season. It matched the Knicks 41-41, but was out-rebounded 41-38 and 45-36, respectively, against Utah and Minnesota. The 36 against the Timberwolves matched the season low from last season — games against Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers that Steven

Adams missed due to a concussion.

“We have not done a great job defensive rebounding,” Donovan said. “I thought against Utah and this game against Minnesota, we got hurt on the glass, and I think their second-chance points definitely had an impact on the game.”

Ferguson check

Rookie guard Terrance

Ferguson (left ankle sprain) was limited to noncontact in practice Tuesday and will be reevaluated Wednesday leading up to the game against the Pacers.

Ferguson missed the last game after spraining his ankle in Sunday’s pregame warmup.

Ingles fined for shot on Adams

Adams continues to receive hits below the belt.

The NBA will fine Utah's Joe Ingles $15,000 for making contact with Adams' groin area during the Thunder's 96-87 loss on Saturday.

The incident occurred with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter. Adams made his way across the lane on offense, and Ingles took a swipe at his groin with his left hand.

Six seconds later, the Thunder used a timeout, and Adams received a technical foul on the way to the bench after delivering a shoulder bump to Ingles.

The 7-foot Adams has a history of receiving shots to the groin, most notably with Golden State's Draymond Green. In the 2016 Western Conference Finals, Green's knee made contact with Adams' groin in Game 1 and his right leg caught Adams in Game 3.

The first incident went unpenalized, but the second one earned Green a Flagrant "1" foul. After the NBA reviewed Game 3, Green's foul was upgraded to a Flagrant "2" and he was fined $25,000.

Quotable

Donovan on Indiana players Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo, who played for the Thunder last season but were traded to the Pacers for George: “I think for Domas just being a rookie and going through the league one time is only gonna help him. I’m sure for him, he’s learned a new system and style in Indiana. He’s gonna be fine. He’s a really good player. I think the same thing for Victor. Before the trade happened in the middle of June, I was with Victor for a couple days in Miami. He’s made a huge commitment to his body. Physically, he looks great. Obviously, there’s a familiarity playing in Indiana in college and now being there with the Pacers. I think he’s in a good spot. He’s playing to his strengths. So, both those guys I think will do very well.”